Beam stabilizer

ABSTRACT

A beam stabilizer, comprising a threaded tubular part, and a screw like part, threaded together, and can be applied to either side of an I-beam, set within a foundation wall cavity, and tightened in place so as to fix the beam within the cavity at its precise set location, to be sure that the beam remains in place, once installed, during building of a residence or small building.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This continuation patent application claims priority to the pendingnonprovisional application for patent having Ser. No. 11/433,223, whichwas filed May 11, 2006; which claims priority to the expired provisionalpatent application having Ser. No. 60/683,597, which was filed on May23, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the stabilization of steel or wood beams, orany beams for that matter, that are supported upon or embedded partiallywithin a foundation, as for residential or building construction, andwhich system includes a mechanical stabilizing device and a fillerproduct in order to support the beam within a foundation wall, and thenfill it with composition to provide a surface area of plaster or relatedmaterial to furnish the appearance of a finished surface where the beamenters the foundation wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When foundations are poured from concrete, or formed from concreteblock, steel I- or H-beams are sometimes specified. Thus, when suchconstruction is undertaken, a beam pocket is usually created for thesteel or structurally designed wood beam, where the beam fits within thepocket, within the foundation wall, for support. In some municipalities,the building inspector or the structural engineer on the projectrequires that the steel or wood beam be stabilized in what is identifiedas a beam pocket. This process can be costly and time consuming to thecontractor, particularly where concrete must be poured within thepocket, after the beam is located in place, and then filled to capacityto complete the foundation wall.

Traditionally, the beam pocket and its associated stabilization havebeen handled one of several different ways. In some instances, brick andmortar may be used to filled the pocket void after the beam is set inplace, or a form of some sort is erected and concrete is hand trowelledinto the pocket void, to fill it to capacity, around the beam. Then, theform is eventually removed, and the concrete or block surface finishedoff, as may be necessary. Obviously, this can be time consuming, andrather additionally costly.

Various other concepts have shown related means for stabilization ofvarious structures. For example, the patent to Astrom, No. 891,897,shows a trench brace. This is a brace, that in principle, includes atleast two components, one being threaded within the other, or having anut that threads upon a bolt, and extends within a tube, so as toprovide for expansion characteristics between these two relativecomponents, with each of the components having a shoe at either end foruse for impaling into or against a form, so as to prevent the trenchfrom collapsing. This is essentially a shoring device. It is not for usefor the same purpose of this current invention, but does show the use oftubular members, one even being a screw, that may be expanded apart, forbiasing against two other components.

The stope jack to Niceley, No. 2,462,662, shows a similar type of devicerelated to the previous shoring device, but this particular jack is forapplication down in the mine, for use for a variety of purposes, evenfor replacing timbers. But, in this instance, as shown in its drawings,it is used to provide support against any wall or support, as can benoted. It does include a pipe section, centrally located, between a pairof hex nut members, that may be turned upon a hex screw, in order toexpand the stope jack between the various walls. Again, this device mayhave some relationship to the current invention, from the standpoint ofbeing an expansion device, but it is really not structured like thestabilizer of the current invention, nor used for the same purpose.

The patent to Johnson, No. 2,584,022, shows a surface pipe bracing andcentering means. This device shows a series of flexible struts, as canbe seen, where there are four of them that may used simultaneouslyprincipally for biasing against a bracing or pipe, to hold it intoposition when installed. As can be seen, the struts can be biasedagainst the web of an I-beam, as noted, for their installation. Thisdevice is for use for centering and holding a pipe braced into position,but not for stabilization of the location of an I-beam, within afoundation wall.

The patent to Abraham, et al., No. 4,893,784, shows a method andapparatus for jacking basement walls. This device is a complex type ofjacking means, as can be seen, that may be pinned to the basement floor,and then secured by a bracket to the floor joist, and then biased bymeans of a wall brace, through the use of an assembly, for apparentlypushing the wall in some direction to bring it back into alignment. Thisis not really the current invention.

The patent to Hanna, No. 5,516,069, shows an adjustable constructionsupport apparatus. This device is a supported assembly, that may beadjusted vertically, by means of its tongue member, that threadedlymounts upon a shaft, for raising or lowering of the bracket assembly,that can hold a beam structure in place, as during construction. This isgenerally what is shown in the drawings for usage of this particulardevice. Once again, this is not the structure of the current invention,since the current invention does not include any type of adjustableconstruction support apparatus, that may include any type of a footingassembly nor a height adjustment assembly, nor any type of a bracketassembly, that would relate to the subject matter of this currentinvention.

Finally, the prior patent to Larsen, No. 5,845,450, shows anotherbracing system. This device is applied for use for bracing a masonrybasement wall of a building against inward buckling, as due tohydrostatic pressure, where a prearranged I-beam can be biased againstthe surface of the concrete block wall, to prevent its inward buckling,with the bottom of the beam incorporating a floor plate that is securedto the floor by suitable bolts, and with the upper part being secured bya plate and bracket means for securing the upper end of the beam againstthe same concrete block wall, as noted.

These are examples of prior art known to the Applicant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This current invention contemplates the formation of a structure andsystem for furnishing beam stabilization. Essentially, this device usesat least one, but normally a pair, of expansion type bolts, that can beplaced on either side of an I-beam, so as to brace it, laterally, withina foundation cavity, before any concrete or other materials providedtherein, so as to seal up the ends of the I-beam, when in place.Normally, as is known, foundation walls usually have a cavity providedpartially through the foundation wall, as along its upper edge, usuallyinteriorly thereof, and into which the various I-beams, for example, thebearing support I-beam will locate. The current invention providesstabilization for such a located beam. The beam stabilizer of thisinvention is then located within the cavity, on either side of the webof the I-beam, and screws up against the upright or web portion top cordor bottom cord of the I-beam, in order to fix it in place. Then, thefoam or other filler material can be inserted into the rest of thecavity, and plastered on the inside wall surface, once hardened, tocomplete the surface of the foundation, and to make it look like it is afinished wall, where the I-beam enters its foundation cavity. Obviously,the I-beam is normally rested or supported upon the bottom of the formedcavity, as can be understood.

The current invention utilizes a stabilizer device, which may be formedof plastic, metal, or the like, is a type of screw, one part thatthreadedly engages one within the other, and expands to bias against thesides of the cavity, and likewise to bias with some degree of forceagainst the web of the beam. Usually, the cavity has substantial widthso that the beam can be shifted to either side, to give a preciselocating within the building structure, before it is fixed in place bymeans of the stabilizing device of this invention.

The stabilizing device of this invention has two components. One is anouter segment, and a threaded bolt member, the latter locating withinthe outer segment. The outer part has a hollow interior, and is threadedinternally thereof, so that the inner screw can be threaded therein, toprovide for expansion characteristics between the two components, so thestabilizing member can be threaded inwardly, to shorten its length, orthreaded outwardly, in order to expand its length, and bias against theside of the foundation cavity, and the surface of the web of the I-beam,during installation. This can be done on both sides of the I-beam, so asto fix it permanently in place, once it has been precisely set. Theinner screw component may have a hex or other shaped edge, so that awrench can be applied thereto, to allow for it to be expanded outwardly,or turned internally, as during usage. Likewise, the outer component inaddition has integral hex or other shaped surfaces provided thereon, soa wrench can likewise be applied thereto, to hold it in position, whilethe inner screw part is forcibly turned outwardly, to biased tightlyagainst the I-beam, and the inner wall of the foundation cavity. Thus,once a stabilizer is located in place, to either side of the center beamor web of the I-beam structure, then foam can be injected therein, ofthe type that is currently used to foam in place, and to expand, andfill the cavity. Then, the foam is cut along the surface of thefoundation, and a plaster can be simply plastered thereon, onto theinterior surface of the foam, to give it a finished appearance, to makeit look like the foundation wall is complete, but that the I- or otherbeam extends integrally into the same.

It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide abeam stabilizer for stabilizing an I-, H- or related beam in place, whenset upon a supporting surface within a foundation wall.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lightweight type ofstabilizing means, in the category of a threaded means, each of whichcan be expanded to either side of an I-beam to stabilize it in placewhen precisely set within a foundation wall.

Another object of this invention is to provide a beam stabilizing meansthat can be very easily adjusted, in situ, to precisely hold a beam inplace once installed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a beam stabilizer thatmay be easily adjusted and set by a single worker.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a beam stabilizer,formed as lightweight polymer or related materials as a threaded means,that can be expanded or contracted easily, when used for stabilizationpurposes.

These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, andupon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment,in view of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In referring to the drawings,

FIG. 1 shows an end view of a beam, stabilized in place within afoundation wall cavity, through the usage of the beam stabilizers ofthis invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of one of the beam stabilizers of thisinvention;

FIG. 3A shows an isometric view of a screw part of a beam stabilizer ofthis invention;

FIG. 3B shows a side view thereof;

FIG. 3C shows an end view thereof;

FIG. 3D shows an opposite end view thereof;

FIG. 3E shows a cross sectional view of the inner screw portion of thebeam stabilizer, taken along the line 3E-3E of 3D;

FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of the tubular portion of the beamstabilizer of this invention;

FIG. 4B shows a side view thereof;

FIG. 4C shows a right end view thereof;

FIG. 4D shows a left end view thereof;

FIG. 4E is a cross sectional view of the tubular portion of the beamstabilizer taken along the line 4E-4E of 4D;

FIG. 5A shows a length of a tubular member that provides for doubleadjustment of the beam stabilizer during usage and application;

FIG. 5B discloses a side view of the threaded tubular member with a boltthreadily engaged within each end to provide for adjustment during usagewhen stabilizing a beam or related item;

FIG. 6A shows a view of a pair of the beam stabilizers provided betweenthe spaced I-beams, and more specifically their cords, at both the upperand lower levels, to provide for fixed spacing; and,

FIG. 6B shows the upper and lower stabilizers provided between theinitial beam and other adjacent structural members, to keep the I-beamin fixed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, the beamstabilizer of this invention is readily disclosed. As can be noted, itshows a stabilizing member 1 that is located within a foundation wall F,which in this type of construction, includes a cavity C, providedpartially through the foundation wall, as along its upper edge. And,into such a cavity locates the various I-beams, as at 1, to providebearing support for any floor structure. When this is done, normally,the rest of the cavity is filled with a foam, the expanding type, andthen leveled at the surface, covered with a plaster, to provideprecision location for the I-beam within the foundation wall, throughthe usage of the stabilizers 1, as can be seen.

The invention of this device is to provide a stabilizer device, withinthe cavity, that screws against the upright portion or web of theI-beam, as at W, in order to fix it in place. Subsequently, thenexpanding foam, or even concrete, can be inserted into the rest of thecavity, and plastered, to complete the surface of the foundation.Obviously, the I-beam is rested or supported upon the bottom of thecavity, as can be noted at B.

In addition, the beam stabilizer is a plastic, or metal, type of screw,one that threadedly engages one part within another, and can beexpanded, to bias against the sides S of the cavity, to stabilize thebeam and position it in place. Usually the cavity has substantial width,so the beam can be shifted in a direction to either side, to give it aprecise locating within the building structure.

FIG. 2 shows the stabilizing device or member 1 of this invention. Ithas two components, an outer segment 2, and a threaded bolt like member3, that locates and threadedly engages within the threaded member 4, ofthe part 2. Generally, component part 2 is a hollow tubular like member,and is threaded on its interior, as can be seen in FIG. 4E, while thesecond component, or the screw like part 3, is threaded externally, andscrews within the tubular member 2, as can be noted. The component 2 ishollow, as at 5, and has a boss 6 provided at its opposite end, and haslands provided thereon, usually of a hex or square configuration, or thelike, so that a wrench can be applied thereto, to hold it in place, orto turn it, when the two components of the stabilizing device are eitherexpanded or contracted. It can be seen, that the tubular like member 2of the stabilizing device is threaded internally thereof, as at 7, so asto accommodate the threaded member 3 therein, during its installationand usage.

Also, the outer surface of the component 2 of the stabilizing member asa series of grooves, provided around its periphery, or circumference, asnoted at 8, and these grooves provide for a break off of the length ofthe member 2, if it is too long for fitting within the size of cavityformed and preseited.

The inner screw component 3, as noted in FIG. 3A, etc., is alsothreaded, along its surface, as at 9, along its length. At its outerend, as at 10, it also is hex shaped, or has other shape, so that awrench can be applied thereto. In addition, the outer surface of themember 2, as previously explained, is likewise or complementary shaped.Thus, wrenches may be applied to one or both of these surfaces 4 and 6,so that one may be turned relative to the other, to expand thestabilizing device, when it is being installed, or contracted, in orderto adjust it for installation. Normally, the stabilizing member will beextended, in order to bias reasonably tightly against the web or centerW of the I-beam, and likewise, biased with some degree of force againstthe side S, of the foundation cavity, when located.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, one of these stabilizers is placed to eitherside of the center of the beam 1, and the beam will have been previouslyproperly positioned, so that the stabilizers can then be expanded, forbiasing against the sides of the cavity, and to fix the beam into itsset position, once precisely located.

Following this, foam can be applied into the remaining portions of thecavity, to fill the cavity around the beam stabilizing devices,encompass the I-beam, all to finish the project. It may be desirable,but not necessary, that a plywood or other form may be placed againstthe surface of the foundation wall, surrounding the beam, so as toattempt to locate the foam, or other concrete, within the cavity, duringits application.

More specifically, the beam stabilizing device of this invention issimply two pieces of a high strength plastic nut and bolt, but it may bemade of other materials, such as metal, or the like. The beamstabilizing component 3, in practice, has found to be useful if it is anapproximate six inch (6″) long hollow threaded rod, generally 1.605inches in diameter, with one edge incorporating integrally its hex head,so as to allow for a wrench to be applied thereto, to help in itsmanipulation when adjusted into a tightening position. The secondcomponent 2, is a hollow long tube, approximately 0.140 inches thick atits end. This thickness increases up to a point where it meets its solidend, that has been molded into a threaded 1.605 inch nut, sized toreceive the screw component 3, during its installation. This tubularsection is 2.5 inches in diameter, with the exception that the last 0.75inches may have its 1.90 inch eased hex nut bolted into its structure.On the body of the tube, the small reference marks, that are locatedapproximately every one fourth of an inch (¼″), make it easy for cuttingof the tube, to provide a length that is more accurate for beingaccommodated within the cavity, and against the I-beam, during itsinstallation.

The beam stabilizer, before usage, may need to be cut to the properlength. It has the potential of extending from eleven inches (11″)maximum, to less than two inches (2″) in length, depending upon thepocket cavity to be filled. After cutting the beam stabilizer, aconstruction adhesive should be applied to both ends. The stabilizer isthen placed into the beam pocket void with the tubular section againstthe beam, and the other part against the concrete wall. The device isthen tightened using the molded nut heads, as at 10, while a wrench orchannel locks may be applied to the surface 4, to hold one component ofthe device stable, while the other is turned, to adjust the stabilizingdevice into fixed position. The two stabilizers are placed to eitherside of the web W of the located beam, or directly opposite each other,in their force applied to the beam, a final tightening of the twostabilizing devices snug the steel beam fixed into the foundationcavity, once set.

FIGS. 5A and 5B disclose an alternative method for beam stabilization,including a length of tubular member 11 having an opening 12 providedtherethrough, and the opening is threaded, for some distance inwardly,at both ends, as at 13 and 14, so that threaded members, as shown at 15and 16, can be threaded therein, and adjusted, to provide forpositioning of an I-Beam, other structural beam, or related materials,when the beam stabilizer is located in place. Hence, the threadedmembers 15 and 16 can be threaded inwardly, or outwardly, relative tothe tubular member 11 in which they threadily engage, to provided foradjustment in the beam stabilizer as it is located adjacent a beam, toachieve the desired results. It should be understood that variousthreaded members and the threads of the tubular member may becoordinated so that, for example, you may have a left hand thread on oneside, with a right hand thread on the other, so that as the threadedmembers are tightened, turning one to tighten against one web or flange,or beam cord, it tightened it, and will not loosen the threaded memberat the opposite end of the stabilizer. This is just a matter ofcoordinating the various threaded arrangements, to insure that once thestabilizer is tightened and positioned, it remains so.

As an example, in one embodiment, the tubular member may beapproximately 14 inches more or less in length, and comprise a 2 inch,more or less, square bar of material. The adjustment members 15 and 16may comprise bolts, and may be 6 inches, more or less, each in length.Obviously, the beam stabilizer can be made of a polymer, or metal, orany other related materials that can withstand some degree of force, andbe of any shape in cross section.

This use is related to the stabilization of engineered floor joistsystems. Making the tubular member of a square design, or rectangulardesign, may reduce the cost of manufacture, and make it easier forinstallation, since a square type of tubular member may be held inposition, while adjustments are made. But, nevertheless, it isconceivable that the tubular member could be made to other shapes, suchas round, as can be understood.

One of the usual expansion foams have been found to work very well tofill up the cavity, once the beam and the stabilizers have been located,normally of the type of foam product that has expansion characteristicsthat rapidly expand to surround the entire cavity, the beam, thestabilizer, and fills the entire pocket of the cavity. At this point,the mechanical aspects of the beam stabilizers will be fixed in place,holds the beam precisely at its set location, to assure that the beamremains in place. Furthermore, plaster can be applied to the outersurface of the foam, in order to assimilate the appearance of thefoundation wall, to make it look like the beam extends directly into thefoundation wall, in its structure.

FIG. 6 a shows the application of the beam stabilizer 17 which is theupper stabilizer, and 18 which is the lower stabilizer, located andpositioned between the upper and lower cords or flanges of the I-beams19 and 20. Each of the I-beams 19 and 20 has their cords are upper andlower flanges 21 and 22, and these types of beams, frequently, made ofwood, will incorporate their upper and lower cords, and the beamstabilizers 17 and 18 are designed for inner fitting between cords, inorder to keep the beams from tilting, and remain in position, once set.Once again, the beam stabilizers may be of the type as previouslydescribed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, or even FIG. 5 b. And, thesebeam stabilizers may preferably locate between the sides of the variouscords, as shown, or, as an alternative, may even fit between a pair ofthe joist, at their upper and lower web areas, as at 23 and 24,respectively, to assure that the joist or beams remain spaced apart,fixably, and to perform as weight bearing members to their fullestcapacity.

FIG. 6 b shows how the beam stabilizers 25 and 26 may fit between theside structural member, as at 27, and the initial joist or wood beam, asat 28, could perform in the manner as previously described with respectto the beam stabilizers of FIG. 6 a.

Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention mayoccur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the development asprovided herein. Such variations, if within the concept of thisdevelopment, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of theinvention as defined. The depiction of the invention in the drawings,and its definition within the preferred embodiment, are set forth forillustrative purposes only.

1. A beam stabilizing device for use in conjunction with a beam, restingupon a foundation wall, within its cavity, and said stabilizing deviceprovided for retaining the beam in a precisely set location onceinstalled, said stabilizing device including: a tubular segment, thetubular segment having internal threads upon its internal surface; ascrew segment, said screw segment having external threads, and beingthreadily engaged within the tubular component, each of said tubularcomponent and said screw segment having a bolt head integrally providedthereon, to allow for turning of one segment or component relative tothe other segment or component and to secure the beam stabilizing deviceto the internal surface of the foundation cavity, and provide forcontraction or expansion of the stabilizing device, whereby astabilizing device will be located to either side of the beam, andturned into expansion for biasing against the beam, and the internalsurface of the foundation cavity, to snugly fix the beam in place onceinstalled and set, said screw segment also has a hollow interior, andwherein said screw segment has a smooth face provided at its outer endthereby allowing the screw segment to rotate upon a beam, and toaccommodate a tool for use in the threaded adjustment of each screwsegment within its tubular segment during securement.
 2. The beamstabilizing device of claim 1, and wherein said hollow tubular componentof each beam stabilizing device has a series of shallow circumferentialgrooves provided thereon approximately every quarter inch, to indicatewhere a break or a cut may shorten said hollow tubular component forfitting in a narrow cavity.
 3. The beam stabilizing device of claim 1and including a pair of said screw segments, one of each screw segmentthreadily engaging axially within each end of said tubular segment, saidtubular segment simultaneously adjusting said pair of screw segments ofthe stabilizing device either outwardly or inwardly during itsapplication for use in conjunction with a beam.
 4. The beam stabilizingdevice of claim 3, wherein the tubular segment has a cross sectionadapted to receive a wrench.
 5. The beam stabilizing device of claim 4,wherein each screw segment has a length of at least three times thewidth of said tubular member.
 6. A beam stabilizing device for use inconjunction with a beam, resting upon a foundation wall, within itscavity, and said stabilizing device provided for retaining the beam in aprecisely set location once installed, said stabilizing deviceincluding: a tubular segment, the tubular segment having internalthreads upon its internal surface, a series of shallow circumferentialgrooves provided thereon approximately every quarter inch to indicatesizing of said tubular segment for fitting said device in a narrowcavity; at least one screw segment, said screw segment having externalthreads, and being threadily engaged within the tubular component, eachof said tubular component and said screw segment having a bolt headintegrally provided thereon, to allow for turning of one segment orcomponent relative to the other segment or component and to secure thebeam stabilizing device to the internal surface of the foundationcavity, and provide for contraction or expansion of the stabilizingdevice wherein said at least one screw segment adjusts inwardly oroutwardly of said tubular segment respectively, whereby a stabilizingdevice will be located to either side of the beam, and turned intoexpansion for biasing against the beam, and the internal surface of thefoundation cavity, to snugly fix the beam in place once installed andset, said screw segment also has a hollow interior, wherein said screwsegment has a length of at least three times the width of said tubularsegment, and wherein said screw segment has a smooth face provided atits outer end thereby allowing the screw segment to rotate upon a beam,and to accommodate a tool for use in the threaded adjustment of eachscrew segment within its tubular segment during securement; and, whereinsaid device has a length no more than eleven inches.
 7. The beamstabilizing device of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of thestabilizing devices mutually parallel and spaced apart vertically, andeach of said devices having a length no more than eleven inches, andadapting to fix a beam relative to a structural member of a building.